A mother has defended her decision to check her kids’ phones, reasoning that since she pays for them, it’s within her rights.
Many parents are growing increasingly worried about their children’s activities on their phones.
Concerns range from online dangers like cyberbullying to the threat of catfishing, making it essential to stay vigilant.
A recent survey revealed that 54% of parents monitor their teenagers’ phone activity in at least two different ways.
Laura Muse, a parent from the US, openly admits to checking her children’s phones as part of her approach to staying informed about their digital lives.
Every night, a mental health clinician takes her teenage son’s phone before bedtime.
She also monitors both her son’s and daughter’s online activity and personal messages to ensure their safety.
The mother told the New York Post: “I own their phones, I pay for the phones. I can go through them whenever I want.”
She explained that this approach is how she “manages her ship.”
Muse has also shared her parenting rules on TikTok. In a viral post, she stands next to her son as a song with the lyrics “This is no big deal” plays in the background.
The text on the screen reads: “Me every time I look through my teenager’s phone.”
The clip has amassed an impressive one million views, with hundreds of people commenting in support of Muse’s approach.
One fellow parent wrote: “My daughter had to turn her phone in every night at bedtime, and yes, I looked at it. It’s for their protection.”
Another chimed in, saying: “It’s no big deal because you’ve done a fine job at raising them!
“You are truly blessed with beautiful and amazing kids. Good job, Momma Bear!”
A third person added: “I love that you guys have a relationship where that is good and you can.”
However, not everyone agrees with Muse’s approach, with some calling it an “invasion of privacy” in the comments.
One person questioned: “Why [do] you go through his phone? Let him have privacy.”
Another added: “My mom doesn’t go through my phone unless I give her a reason not to trust me.”
A third commenter wrote: “Checking your kids’ phone is an invasion of privacy and shows you don’t trust them. They will never open up to you ever again.”
In response, Muse replied: “I pay for the phone, and when you have nothing to hide because we can openly communicate about life, it’s no big deal… Sorry you don’t have that in your life.”
